Touch sensor

ABSTRACT

A touch sensor includes: a plurality of first sensor electrode columns disposed in a sensing area, the plurality of first sensor electrode columns each including one or more first sensor electrodes; a plurality of second sensor electrode columns alternately disposed with the first sensor electrode columns in the sensing area, the plurality of second sensor electrode columns each including a plurality of second sensor electrodes having a length defined by a longitudinal axis and a width extending in a direction across the length; a plurality of lines connected to the first sensor electrode columns and the second sensor electrode columns; and a pad unit including a plurality of pads connected to the lines, wherein at least some of the second sensor electrodes have a width that varies along the longitudinal axis of its respective second electrodes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/603,395, filed on May 23, 2017, and claims priority from and thebenefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0065026, filed on May26, 2016, which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes asif fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

The invention relates generally to a touch sensor, and moreparticularly, to a touch sensor having a sensing area with improvedsensitivity.

Discussion of the Background

A touch sensor is used as one type of information input device to beattached to one surface of a display panel or to be integrally formedwith the display panel. A user may input information by pressing ortouching a touch sensor while viewing an image implemented on thedisplay panel.

The touch sensor typically includes a plurality of sensor electrodesprovided in a sensing area and a plurality of lines connected to thesensor electrodes. Recently, there is interest in ensuring reliablesensitivity across the entire sensing area while reducing manufacturingcost to increase the utilization of the touch sensor.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background of the inventiveconcepts, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not formthe prior art that is already known in this country to a person ofordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY

Touch sensors constructed according to the principles of the inventionprovide a touch sensor having improved sensitivity while reducingmanufacturing cost.

According to one aspect of the invention, a touch sensor includes: aplurality of first sensor electrode columns disposed in a sensing area,the plurality of first sensor electrode columns each including one ormore first sensor electrodes; a plurality of second sensor electrodecolumns alternately disposed with the first sensor electrode columns inthe sensing area, the plurality of second sensor electrode columns eachincluding a plurality of second sensor electrodes having a lengthdefined by a longitudinal axis and a width extending in a directionacross the length; a plurality of lines connected to the first sensorelectrode columns and the second sensor electrode columns; and a padunit including a plurality of pads connected to the lines, wherein atleast some of the second sensor electrodes have a width that variesalong the longitudinal axis of its respective second electrodes.

At least some of the second sensor electrodes may have at least twodiscrete widths.

At least some of the second sensor electrodes may have at least threeparts, with a width of a first part and/or a width of a second partopposite to the first part being greater than a width of a third partbetween the first part and the second part.

The sensing area may be divided into a plurality of areas according todistance from the pad unit, and at least one of shape and width of someof the second sensor electrodes varies according to the respectivedivided areas.

The sensing area may include a first area spaced from the pad unit by afirst distance and a second area spaced from the pad unit by a seconddistance less than the first distance. At least some of second sensorelectrodes disposed in the first area may have a first width, and atleast some of second sensor electrodes disposed in the second area mayhave a second width greater than the first width.

At least some of the second sensor electrodes disposed in the secondarea may have a third width.

The third width may be substantially the same as the second width andthe first width may be disposed in a region between the second and thirdwidths and may be smaller than the second width and the third width.

The sensing area may further include a third area spaced from the padunit by a third distance less than the second distance. At least some ofsecond sensor electrodes disposed in the third area may have a fourthwidth greater than the second width, and a fifth width smaller than thefirst width.

Of the second sensor electrodes disposed in the first, second, and thirdareas, the difference between maximum and minimum widths of the secondsensor electrodes disposed in the third area may be largest.

At least some of the second sensor electrodes disposed in the secondarea may have a minimum width smaller than the first width, and thewidth of at least some of the second sensor electrodes disposed in thesecond area may gradually increase progressing from the middle towardthe ends of the second sensor electrode.

The first sensor electrode may be spaced from adjacent second sensorelectrodes at a predetermined distance along boundary surfaces of theadjacent second sensor electrodes.

Each of the first sensor electrode columns may include N (where N is anatural number of 2 or more) first sensor electrodes arranged in a firstdirection. Each of the second sensor electrode columns may include Nsecond sensor electrode groups arranged in the first direction adjacentthe respective N first sensor electrodes, and each of the N secondsensor electrode groups may include K (where K is a natural number of 2or more) second sensor electrodes having a smaller area than each of thefirst sensor electrodes.

Of the N first sensor electrodes, at least a first sensor electrodeclosest to the pad unit may include at least two sub-electrodes.

At least some of the lines may be connected to the pad unit to passthrough an area between the at least two sub-electrodes.

Sub-electrodes included in the same first sensor electrode column of thefirst sensor electrode columns may be connected to the same pad providedin the pad unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, a touch sensor includes: aplurality of first sensor electrode columns disposed in a firstdirection in a sensing area, the plurality of first sensor electrodecolumns each including N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) firstsensor electrodes; a plurality of second sensor electrode columnsalternately disposed with the first sensor electrode columns in thesensing area, the plurality of second sensor electrode columns eachincluding a plurality of second sensor electrodes; a plurality of linesdisposed between the first sensor electrode columns and the secondsensor electrode columns; and a pad unit including a plurality of padsconnected to the lines, wherein each of Nth first sensor electrodesclosest to the pad unit among the first sensor electrodes provided ineach of the first sensor electrode columns includes at least twosub-electrodes, and at least some of the lines are connected to the padunit passing through an area between the at least two sub-electrodes.

A width between the first sensor electrode columns and the second sensorelectrode columns may be narrowed in an area in which at least thesub-electrodes are disposed.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a touch sensorincludes: a plurality of first sensor electrode columns disposed in asensing area, the plurality of first sensor electrode columns eachincluding one or more first sensor electrodes; a plurality of secondsensor electrode columns alternately disposed with the first sensorelectrode columns in the sensing area, the plurality of second sensorelectrode columns each including a plurality of second sensorelectrodes; a plurality of gray zones located between adjacent the firstsensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes; at least one ofdummy patterns disposed in each of the plurality of gray zones; aplurality of lines connected to the first sensor electrode columns andthe second sensor electrode columns; and a pad unit including aplurality of pads connected to the lines. The number of the dummypatterns disposed in each of the gray zones may increase as the distancebetween the gray zone and the pad unit increase.

At least some of the second sensor electrodes may have at least twodifferent widths.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the inventive concepts, and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concepts, and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of thegeneral components of a touch sensor display device.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a touch sensorconstructed according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial, enlarged plan view illustrating the sensing area ofthe touch sensor of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating an exemplaryconfiguration of a first sensor electrode column and lines connectedthereto, which are shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically illustrating an exemplaryconfiguration of a second sensor electrode column and lines connectedthereto, which are shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a unit sensor constructed accordingto the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are plan views illustrating various exemplaryembodiments of conductive layers constituting each sensor electrode thatmay be used in touch sensor according to the principles of theinvention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of upper and lower portions of unitsensors illustrating that the magnitudes of capacitances formed betweenadjacent sensor electrodes may vary depending on the distance from a padunit.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan views of unit sensors illustrating that avariation in capacitance may be changed depending on the position atwhich a touch input occurs.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a first embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an embodiment of a touch sensor including thesensor electrodes shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a second embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a third embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an embodiment of a touch sensor including thesensor electrodes shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a fifth embodiment of sensorelectrodes constructed according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of a connectionstructure of the sensor electrodes shown in FIG. 16 and a pad unitconstructed according to the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments. It is apparent, however,that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without thesespecific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplaryembodiments.

In the accompanying figures, the size and relative sizes of layers,films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity anddescriptive purposes. Also, like reference numerals denote likeelements.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,”or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on,connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or interveningelements or layers may be present. When, however, an element or layer isreferred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no interveningelements or layers present. For the purposes of this disclosure, “atleast one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the groupconsisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only,or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance,XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element,component, region, layer, and/or section from another element,component, region, layer, and/or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer, and/or section discussed below could be termeda second element, component, region, layer, and/or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and,thereby, to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of anapparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to theorientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus inthe drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath”other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the otherelements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompassboth an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus maybe otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors usedherein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of thegeneral components of a touch sensor display device. In FIG. 1, adisplay panel and a touch sensor are illustrated as separate components,but the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. That is, the displaypanel and the touch sensor may be integrally formed.

Referring to FIG. 1, the touch sensor display device includes a displaypanel 100 and a touch sensor 200.

The display panel 100 includes a first substrate 110 and a secondsubstrate 120, which face each other. A plurality of pixels (not shown)is provided between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate120.

The type of the display panel 100 is not particularly important, as longas it can be used for displaying images. For example, the display panel100 may be a self-luminescent display panel such as an organic lightemitting display panel (OLED panel). Alternatively, the display panel100 may be a non-emissive display panel such as a liquid crystal displaypanel (LCD panel), an electro-phoretic display panel (EPD panel), or anelectro-wetting display panel (EWD panel). When the display panel 100 isa non-emissive display panel, the touch sensor display device mayinclude a back-light unit for supplying light to the display panel 100.

The touch sensor 200 is disposed on one surface of the display panel 100to receive a touch input of a user. For example, the touch sensor 200may be disposed on one of the surfaces of the display panel in adirection on which an image is displayed.

In addition, the touch sensor 200 may be integrally formed with thedisplay panel 100. For example, the touch sensor 200 may be formed on atleast one of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120, whichconstitute the display panel 100.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a touch sensorconstructed according to the principles of the invention. In someembodiments, a one-layer type touch sensor in which first and secondsensor electrode columns are alternately disposed in units of columns isillustrated in FIG. 2. However, the inventive concepts are not limitedthereto, and the arrangement of the first and second sensor electrodecolumns constituting the touch sensor may be variously modified andembodied.

Referring to FIG. 2, the touch sensor 200 constructed according to theprinciples of the invention includes a substrate 210, a plurality offirst sensor electrode columns 220 and a plurality of second sensorelectrode columns 230, which are disposed in a sensing area SA on thesubstrate 210, a plurality of lines 240 connected to the first andsecond sensor electrode columns 220 and 230, and a pad unit 250connected to the lines 240.

The substrate 210 may be, for example, an insulating substrate made of atransparent material. For example, the substrate 210 may be a flexiblesubstrate including at least one material selected from polyethersulfone(PES), polyacrylate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate(PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS),polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulosetriacetate (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). Also, thesubstrate 210 may be a rigid substrate including one material selectedfrom glass or tempered glass.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the substrate 210 may be one ofthe first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 of the displaypanel 100 shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the touch sensor 200 may beimplemented as a display embedded touch sensor that is integrally formedwith the display panel 100. In other exemplary embodiments, thesubstrate 210 may be a base substrate of a polarizing plate (not shown)provided in the display panel 100 or a window substrate provided in thedisplay device. In still other embodiments, the substrate 210 may be aseparate substrate for the touch sensor.

The first sensor electrode columns 220 and the second sensor electrodecolumns 230 may be alternately disposed in the sensing area SA. Forexample, the first sensor electrode columns 220 may be disposed atodd-numbered columns, and the second sensor electrode columns 230 may bedisposed at even-numbered columns. However, the order or direction inwhich the first and second sensor electrode columns 220 and 230 aredisposed may be variously modified and embodied as is known in the art.That is, in some embodiments, the configuration of the first and secondsensor electrode columns 220 and 230 may be variously changed.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, each of the first sensor electrodecolumns 220 may include one or more first sensor electrodes 222including a conductive material. For example, each of the first sensorelectrode columns 220 may include N (N is a natural number of 2 or more)first sensor electrodes 222 arranged in a first direction (e.g., thecolumn direction). For convenience, it has been illustrated in FIG. 2that each of the first sensor electrode columns 220 includes six firstsensor electrodes 222. However, the number of first sensor electrodes222 provided in each of the first sensor electrode columns 220 may bevariously modified and embodied.

Each of the second sensor electrode columns 230 may include a pluralityof second sensor electrode groups 232 including a conductive material.For example, when each of the first sensor electrode columns 220includes N first sensor electrodes 222, each of the second sensorelectrode columns 230 may include N second sensor electrode groups 232arranged in the first direction (e.g., the column direction) adjacent tothe respective N first sensor electrodes 222. For example, when each ofthe first sensor electrode columns 220 includes six first sensorelectrodes 222, each of the second sensor electrode columns 230 mayinclude six second sensor electrode groups 232.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, each of the second sensorelectrode groups 232 may be configured to include a plurality of, i.e.,K (K is a natural number of 2 or more) second sensor electrodes 234 tohave a smaller area than the first sensor electrodes 222. For example,each of the first sensor electrodes 222 may be formed as a single,rectangular plate shape and each of the second sensor electrode groups232 may include five second sensor electrodes 234. The number of secondsensor electrodes 234 provided in each of the second sensor electrodegroup 232 may be variously modified and embodied.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor 200 may be amutual-capacitive type touch sensor. In this case, one of the first andsecond sensor electrodes 222 and 234 may be a driving electrode (Txelectrode) that receives a touch driving signal, and the other of thefirst and second sensor electrodes 222 and 234 may be a sensingelectrode (Rx electrode) that outputs a sensing signal corresponding tothe touch driving signal.

A capacitance is formed between adjacent first and second sensorelectrodes 222 and 234, as is known in the art. When a touch input of aspecific object such as a user's body or a stylus pen occurs, the touchinput causes a change in capacitance between first and second sensorelectrodes 222 and 234 disposed in a corresponding area and/or aproximity area. The change in capacitance is detected, so that the touchinput can be detected.

The touch sensor 200 is not necessarily limited to the mutual-capacitivetype touch sensor. For example, sensor electrode structures described inthe following embodiments for improving sensitivity may also be appliedto a self-capacitive type touch sensor.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the first sensor electrodes 222and the second sensor electrodes 234 are arranged substantially inparallel to each other along the column direction or row direction, butthe inventive concepts are not necessarily limited thereto. For example,the first sensor electrodes 222 and the second sensor electrodes 234 maybe disposed to intersect each other.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first sensor electrode columns 220 andthe second sensor electrode column 230 are configured to include aplurality of first sensor electrodes 222 and a plurality of secondsensor electrodes 234, respectively, but the inventive concepts are notnecessarily limited thereto. For example, at least one of the firstsensor electrode column 220 and the second sensor electrode column 230may be configured as one sensor electrode extending lengthwise along thecolumn direction.

That is, the number of first sensor electrodes 222, which are disposedon the first sensor electrode columns 220 and/or second sensorelectrodes 234, which are disposed on the second sensor electrodecolumns 230, may be variously changed. For example, the number of firstsensor electrodes 222, which are disposed on the first sensor electrodecolumns 220 and/or second sensor electrodes 234, which are disposed onthe second sensor electrode columns 230, may be set such that the numberof lines 240 can be minimized within a range satisfying a predeterminedtouch sensor resolution (e.g., sensitivity).

The lines 240 electrically connect the first sensor electrodes 222 andthe second sensor electrodes 234 to the pad unit 250. For convenience,it has been illustrated in FIG. 2 that one line 240 is connected foreach of the first and second sensor electrode columns 220 and 230.However, a plurality of lines 240 corresponding to the number of firstor second sensor electrodes 222 or 234 included in each of the first andsecond sensor electrode columns 220 and 230 may be connected to each ofthe first and second sensor electrode columns 220 and 230. In addition,the plurality of lines 240 may be connected to different pads 252provided in the pad unit 250.

The pad unit 250 includes a plurality of pads 252 connected to the firstor second sensor electrodes 222 or 234 through the lines 240. The padunit 250 is connected to a driving circuit for driving the touch sensor200, e.g., a touch IC. Various signals required to drive the touchsensor are transmitted/received through the pad unit 250 as is known inthe art.

FIG. 3 is a partial, enlarged plan view illustrating the sensing area ofthe touch sensor of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view schematicallyillustrating an exemplary configuration of a first sensor electrodecolumn and lines connected thereto, which are shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 isa plan view schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of asecond sensor electrode column and lines connected thereto, which areshown in FIG. 3. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, FIGS.3, 4 and 5 illustrate a touch sensor in which a plurality of first orsecond sensor electrodes are disposed in each sensor electrode column,and the second sensor electrodes are divided to have a number largerthan that of the first sensor electrodes. However, the inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto. That is, the size, number, arrangementdirection, and/or arrangement structure of the first sensor electrodesand/or second sensor electrodes may be variously modified and embodied.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, each first sensor electrode column 220may include a plurality of first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222)arranged along the direction in which the first sensor electrode columns220 extend, e.g., the column direction. For convenience, in thisembodiment, it is assumed that six first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6(222) are provided in each of the first sensor electrode columns 220,but this may be changed. For example, one or more first sensorelectrodes 222 may be formed in each of the first sensor electrodecolumns 220.

A line 240 is connected between each of the first sensor electrodes Rx1to Rx6 (222) and a corresponding pad 252. The lines 240 may be routed toextend from each one of the ends of the first sensor electrodes Rx1 toRx6 (222), respectively. Particularly, as shown in these figures, thelines 240 may be routed to extend alternately from the left and rightsides of the ends of the first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222),respectively.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, each second sensor electrodecolumn 230 includes a plurality of second sensor electrode groups 232arranged along the direction in which the second sensor electrodecolumns 230 extend, e.g., the column direction. In addition, each of thesecond sensor electrode groups 232 may include a plurality of secondsensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234). For convenience, in this embodiment,it is assumed that six second sensor electrode groups 232 are providedin each of the second sensor electrode columns 230, and five secondsensor electrodes 234 are provided in each of the second sensorelectrode groups 232. However, this may be variously changed.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, i-ary second sensor electrodes Txi(where i is a natural number) included in the respective second sensorelectrode groups 232 may be electrically connected to each other. Forexample, primary second sensor electrodes Tx1 of the respective sensorelectrode groups 232 may be electrically connected to each other,secondary second sensor electrodes Tx2 of the respective sensorelectrode groups 232 may be electrically connected to each other,tertiary second sensor electrode groups Tx3 of the respective sensorelectrode groups 232 may be electrically connected to each other, and soforth for all five sets of second sensor electrodes.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the direction in which the primaryto quinternary second sensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 are sequentiallyarranged in units of the second sensor electrode groups 232 may bechanged. For example, the primary to quinternary second sensorelectrodes Tx1 to Tx5 may be sequentially arranged in a direction fromthe top to the bottom within second electrode groups 232 on odd-numberedrows, corresponding to first sensor electrodes Rx1, Rx3, and Rx5 on theodd-numbered rows. In addition, the primary to quinternary second sensorelectrodes Tx1 to Tx5 may be sequentially arranged in a direction fromthe bottom to the top within second electrode groups 232 oneven-numbered rows, corresponding to first sensor electrodes Rx2, Rx4,and Rx6 on the even-numbered rows.

The i-ary second sensor electrodes Txi of the respective sensorelectrode groups 232 may be electrically connected to each other in theform of a linked chain. However, the inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. That is, the arrangement or connection structure of the secondsensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) may be variously modified andembodied.

A line 240 is connected between each of the i-ary second sensorelectrodes Txi (234) and a corresponding pad 252. The line 240 may berouted to extend from at least one end of each of the i-ary secondsensor electrodes Txi (234).

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a unit sensor 310may be constituted from a combination of one second sensor electrode 234and one or more first sensor electrodes 222 adjacent thereto. Forexample, one second sensor electrode 234 and a least one area of each oftwo first sensor electrodes 222 disposed adjacent to left and rightsides of the second sensor electrode 234 may constitute one unit sensor310. Alternatively, one second sensor electrode 234 and at least onearea of one first sensor electrode 222 disposed adjacent to the left orright side of the second sensor electrode 234 may constitute one unitsensor 310.

The number of lines 240 disposed in a gray zone GZ that is an areabetween adjacent first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222) and secondsensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) may be changed depending on positionsin the sensing area SA. For example, the number of lines 240 disposed ina gray zone GZ of a first unit sensor 310 a located in an area (e.g., afar end) distant from the pad unit 250 may be smaller than the number oflines 240 disposed in a gray zone GZ of a second unit sensor 310 blocated in an area (e.g., a near end) close to the pad unit (250 of FIG.2). However, as shown in FIG. 3, if the first sensor electrodes Rx1 toRx6 (222) and second sensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) are spaced at aconstant distance from each other in the sensing area SA, the gray zonehas a constant width regardless of the distance from the pad unit 250.Therefore, the number of lines 240 in the gray zone GZ varies along thecolumn direction in the entire sensing area SA. When the lines 240 areunequally distributed in the gray zone GZ as described above, the entiresensing area SA may be unequally balanced.

Accordingly, in one or more exemplary embodiments constructed accordingto the principles of the invention, floating dummy patterns DP aredisposed in the gray zone GZ, so that the sensing area SA can be equallybalanced. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, the number of dummypatterns DP disposed in a gray zone GZ of a second unit sensor 310 blocated in an area (e.g., a near end) close to the pad unit (250 of FIG.2) is less than the number of dummy patterns DP disposed in a gray zoneGZ of a first unit sensor 310 a located in an area (e.g., a far end)distant from the pad unit 250. However, the inventive concepts are notlimited thereto. That is, in one or more exemplary embodiments, thedummy patterns DP may be omitted.

The first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222) and second sensorelectrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) and/or the lines 240 connected thereto maybe disposed in the same layer because they do not intersect each other.Accordingly, a one-layer type touch sensor can be implemented. If atleast the first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222) and second sensorelectrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) are disposed in the same layer as describedabove, the manufacturing process for the touch sensor 200 can besimplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In addition, a combination of the first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6(222) and second sensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) may be configured todecrease the number of first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222) andsecond sensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) and lines 240. For example,each of the first sensor electrode columns 220 may be configured toinclude a plurality of first sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222), andfive second sensor electrodes Tx1 to Tx5 (234) provided per each of thefirst sensor electrode Rx1 to Rx6 (222) are matched to be adjacent tothe first sensor electrode 222, so a combination of the first sensorelectrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (222) and second sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6(234) can be configured. Thus, the number of first sensor electrodes Rx1to Rx6 (222) and second sensor electrodes Rx1 to Rx6 (234) can beminimized within a range satisfying a predetermined touch sensorresolution, thereby effectively decreasing the number of lines 240.Accordingly, the area of the gray zone GZ in which the lines 240 aredisposed can be minimized, thereby improving touch sensitivity.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a unit sensor constructed accordingto the principles of the invention. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are plan viewsillustrating various exemplary embodiments of conductive layersconstituting each sensor electrode that may be used in touch sensoraccording to the principles of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, each unit sensor 310 is configured as a combinationof one second sensor electrode Txi (i is the number order in which thecorresponding second sensor electrode 234 is disposed in each secondsensor electrode group 232) and two first sensor electrodes Rxj (j isthe number order in which the corresponding first sensor electrode 222is disposed in each first sensor electrode column 220) adjacent to theleft and right sides of the second sensor electrode Txi 234.

A capacitance Cm exists between adjacent first sensor electrode Rxj(222) and second sensor electrode Txi (234). When a touch input occurs,the magnitude of a capacitance Cm between the first sensor electrode Rxj(222) and the second sensor electrode Txi (234) disposed in acorresponding area is changed, and the touch input is detected bydetecting such a change in capacitance. As the magnitude of thecapacitance Cm between the first sensor electrode Rxj (222) and thesecond sensor electrode Txi (234) increases, the variation incapacitance Cm of a touch input increases, and accordingly, touchsensitivity is improved.

Each of the first and second sensor electrodes Rxj and Txi (222 and 234)may be electrically connected to at least one of lines 240 disposed in aneighboring gray zone GZ. However, the number of lines 240 and/or thenumber of dummy patterns DP, which are disposed in a gray zone GZ withina unit sensor 310, and the number of lines 240 to which the unit sensor310 is connected may be changed depending on the position of the unitsensor 310. Therefore, for convenience and clarity, the part connectedbetween each unit sensor 310 and a line 240 is omitted from FIG. 6.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, a lateral length L1 and alongitudinal length L2 of each unit sensor 310 may be substantiallyequal or similar to each other. For example, both of the lateral lengthL1 and the longitudinal length L2 of each unit sensor 310 may be set to4 mm. Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates that each unit sensor 310 is formedin a rectangular shape that is laterally long. However, this is providedfor convenience of illustration, and the shape of each unit sensor 310,the ratio of lateral and longitudinal lengths L1 and L2 of the unitsensor 310, and/or the width of a gray zone GZ may be variously changed.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, areas of the first sensorelectrodes Rxj (222) and the second sensor electrode Txi (234), whichconstitute each unit sensor 310, may be similar or substantially equalto each other. For example, when a second sensor electrode Txi (234)having a first width W1 and at least one area of each of two firstsensor electrodes Rxj (222) neighboring the second sensor electrode Txi(234) constitute each unit sensor 310, the unit sensor 310 may includeonly a partial area having a width corresponding to about a half of thefirst width W1 in each of the two first sensor electrodes Rxj (222).

While the first sensor electrode Rxj (222) and the second sensorelectrode Rxj and Txi (222 and 234) are formed as a polygonal surfacepattern in FIG. 6, the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. Forexample, at least one of the first sensor electrode Rxj (222) and secondsensor electrode Txi (234) may be formed as a mesh pattern.

For example, at least one of the first sensor electrode Rxj (222) andthe second sensor electrode Txi (234) may be formed as a polygonal meshpattern as shown in FIG. 7A or a separated, polygonal mesh pattern asshown in FIG. 7B. Alternatively, in order to improve reflectivevisibility, at least one of the first sensor electrode Rxj (222) and thesecond sensor electrode Txi (234) may be formed in a configuration inwhich polygonal mesh patterns having different shapes are mixed as shownin FIG. 7C. Meanwhile, it will be apparent that, in addition to the meshpatterns as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, various types of mesh patterns maybe applied to at least one of the first sensor electrode Rxj (222) andthe second sensor electrode Txi (234).

FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of upper and lower portions of unitsensors illustrating that the magnitudes of capacitances formed betweenadjacent sensor electrodes may vary depending on the distance from a padunit. Particularly, FIG. 8A is a view illustrating the magnitude of acapacitance formed between adjacent first and second sensor electrodesin an area (e.g., a far end) distant from the pad unit, and FIG. 8B is aview illustrating the magnitude of a capacitance formed between adjacentfirst and second sensor electrodes in an area (e.g., a near end) closeto the pad unit.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B together with FIG. 3, in first unit sensor310 a configured with, for example, a primary first sensor electrode Rx1(222) most distant from the pad unit 250 of the first sensor electrodes222 provided in each of the first sensor electrode columns 220 (as shownin FIG. 3) and a second sensor electrode Txi (234) adjacent the firstsensor electrode Rx1 (222), a relatively small number of lines 240 aredisposed in the gray zone GZ, and therefore, dummy patterns DP aredisposed in an available space.

On the other hand, in second unit sensor 310 b configured with, forexample, the last first sensor electrode Rx6 (222) closest from the padunit 250 of the first sensor electrodes 222 provided in each of thefirst sensor electrode columns 220 (as shown in FIG. 3) and a secondsensor electrode Txi (234) adjacent the first sensor electrode Rx6(222), a relatively large number of lines 240 are disposed in the grayzone GZ.

Thus, a relatively large capacitance Cm is formed between the firstsensor electrode Rxj (222) and the second sensor electrode Txi (234) ofthe first unit sensor 310 a due to a relatively large number of dummypatterns DP, and a relatively small capacitance Cm is formed between thefirst sensor electrode Rxj (222) and the second sensor electrode Txi(234) of the second unit sensor 310 b due to a relatively small numberof dummy pattern DP.

That is, the magnitude of capacitance Cm to be used in detection of atouch input decreases in a direction progressing from an area distant tothe pad unit 250 to an area close to the pad unit 250. The decrease incapacitance Cm may be one of factors that cause degradation of touchsensitivity.

Meanwhile, regardless of the distance from the pad unit 250, variationin capacitance corresponding to a touch input may be changed dependingon a position at which the touch input occurs. This will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan views of unit sensors illustrating that avariation in capacitance may be changed depending on the position atwhich a touch input occurs. For convenience, in FIGS. 9A and 9B, it isassumed that the other conditions except positions at which a touchinput occurs, e.g., intensities of the touch input, and the like may bethe substantially the same.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when a touch input occurs in an intermediate areawithin a unit sensor 310, the variation dCm in capacitance correspondingto the touch input is relatively large.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 9B, when a touch input occurs in aboundary area between unit sensors 310, the variation dCm in capacitancecorresponding to the touch input is relatively small. If the variationdCm in capacitance corresponding to the touch input is not sufficient,it is difficult to accurately detect a touch input. This may be one offactors that cause degradation of touch sensitivity.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a first embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention. The sensorelectrodes shown in FIG. 10 may be applied to at least a partial area inthe entire sensing area.

Referring to FIG. 10, each of second sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1(234′) have different widths that vary along the longitudinal axis ofthe electrode. For example, in each of the second sensor electrodes Txiand Txi+1 (234′), the width (hereinafter, referred to as a second width)W2 of each of first and second end parts (e.g., upper and lower parts)234 a and 234 c opposite to each other is larger than the width(hereinafter, referred to as a third width) W3 of an intermediate area234 b between the first and second end parts 234 a and 234 c. In thisparticular example, each of the second sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1(234′) may be formed in an “I” shape.

Thus, the second widths W2 of the first and second end parts 234 a and234 c of each of the second sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1 (234′) maybe the same. However, the inventive concepts are not limited thereto.For example, the first and second end parts 234 a and 234 c of each ofthe second sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1 (234′) may have widthsdifferent from each other, and the widths may vary continuously ordiscretely along the entire length or just in sections of the electrode.

First sensor electrodes Rxj (222′) may be spaced apart from adjacentsecond sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1 (234′) at a predetermineddistance along boundary surfaces of the adjacent second sensorelectrodes Txi and Txi+1 (234′). In this case, the first sensorelectrodes Rxj (222′) may have shapes corresponding or complementary tothe second sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1 (234′).

Lines 240 and/or dummy patterns DP, which are disposed between the firstand second sensor electrodes Rxj, Txi, and Txi+1 (222′ and 234′), mayalso be spaced apart from the boundary surface at a predetermineddistance along boundary surface shapes of the first and second sensorelectrodes Rxj, Txi, and Txi+1 (222′ and 234′).

The second width W2 of each of the second sensor electrodes Txi andTxi+1 (234′) may be expanded as compared with the first width W1 of FIG.6 in boundaries of unit sensors 310′, e.g., the first and second endparts 234 a and 234 c, and the third width W in the remaining area ofeach of the second sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1 (234′), e.g., theintermediate area 234 b may be decreased as compared with the firstwidth W1. However, the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. Forexample, the width W3 in the intermediate area 234 b of each of thesecond sensor electrodes Txi and Txi+1 (234′) may be equal to the firstwidth W1.

According to the above-described embodiment, the length L3 in whichcapacitance used in detection of a touch input is lengthened in eachunit sensor 310′, and the variation in capacitance, caused by the touchinput at a boundary of the unit sensors 310′, is increased. To bespecific, as the length L3 is lengthened, the dummy patterns DP disposedin the gray zone GZ may be also lengthened so that an area of the dummypatterns DP may be enlarged. Accordingly, the touch sensitivity can beimproved.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an embodiment of a touch sensor including thesensor electrodes shown in FIG. 10. Particularly, FIG. 11 illustrates atouch sensor in which the sensor electrodes according to the embodimentof FIG. 10 are provided in at least one area of a sensing area. In FIG.11, components identical or similar to those of one or more of theabove-described embodiments are designated by like reference numerals,and their detailed descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 11, sensing area SA is divided into a plurality ofareas according to their distance from a pad unit 250. For example, thesensing area SA may include a first area SA1 spaced apart by a firstdistance d1 from the pad unit 250 and a second area SA2 spaced apart bya second distance closer than the first distance d1 from the pad unit250. In addition, the sensing area SA may further include a third areaSA3 spaced apart by a third distance d3 closer than the second distanced2 from the pad unit 250. For convenience, in FIG. 11, the sensing areaSA is divided in three areas according to distances from the pad unit250, but the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example,the sensing area SA may be divided into only two areas, or may bedivided into four or more areas.

The first area SA1 includes unit sensors 310 disposed in an uppermostarea (e.g., a far end), and the third area SA3 includes unit sensors310″ disposed in a lowermost area (e.g., a near end). In someembodiments, sizes of the first and third areas SA1 and SA3 may bevariously changed. That is, the first and third areas SA1 and SA3include unit sensors 310 and 310″ on one or more rows, respectively, andthe number of each of the unit sensors 310 and 310″ respectivelyincluded in the first and third areas SA1 and SA3 may be changed.

The second area SA2 includes unit sensors 310′ disposed between thefirst and third areas SA1 and SA3. In one or more exemplary embodiments,the second area SA2 may be divided into a plurality of sub-areas.

As described in FIG. 3, when compared with the second and third areasSA2 and SA3, a relatively small number of lines 240 and a relativelylarge number of dummy patterns DP are disposed between first and secondsensor electrodes 222 and 234 in the first area SA1. Thus, capacitancebetween adjacent first and second sensor electrodes 222 and 234 can besufficiently generated in the first area SA1, and it is advantageous togenerate a capacitance sufficient enough to detect a touch input eventat a boundary between the unit sensors 310. However, since the firstarea SA1 is distant from the pad unit 250, lengths of the lines 240connected to the first and second sensor electrodes 222 and 234 in thefirst area SA1 are lengthened, and therefore, line loads of the lines240 are relatively large.

On the other hand, when compared with the first and second areas SA1 andSA2, a relatively large number of lines 240 and a relatively smallnumber of dummy patterns DP are disposed between first and second sensorelectrodes 222″ and 234″ in the third area SA3. Therefore, capacitancebetween adjacent first and second sensor electrodes 222″ and 234″ isrelatively small in the third area SA3. Particularly, it is difficult togenerate a capacitance sufficient enough to detect a touch input at aweak point such as a boundary between the unit sensors 310″. However,since the third area SA3 is close to the pad unit 250, lengths of thelines 240 connected to the first and second sensor electrodes 222″ and234″ in the third area SA3 are short, and therefore, line loads of thelines 240 are relatively small.

Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, a touch sensor is providedthat is capable of improving touch sensitivity, by consideringcharacteristics between the areas SA1, SA2, and SA3.

In this regard, the shapes and/or sizes of the second sensor electrodes234, 234′, and 234″ in the respective divided areas of the sensing areaSA, e.g., the first, second, and third areas SA1, SA2, and SA3 may bedifferent. For example, at least one of the shapes of the second sensorelectrodes 234, 234′, and 234″ and/or the maximum widths W1, W2, and W3of first and second end parts in the respective first, second, and thirdareas SA1, SA2, and SA3 may be different. In addition, the shapes and/orsizes of the first sensor electrodes 222, 222′, and 222″ may be changedas the shapes and/or sizes of the second sensor electrodes 234, 234′,and 234″ are changed.

For example, each of the second sensor electrodes 234 disposed in thefirst area SA1 may have a predetermined first width W1. In addition,each of the second sensor electrodes 234′ disposed in the second areaSA2 may have a second width W2 greater than the first width W1 at atleast first and second end parts (e.g., upper and lower ends) thereof.

Each of the second sensor electrodes 234′ disposed in the second areaSA2 may have a third width W3 smaller than the first width W1 and thesecond width W2 in at least one area (e.g., an intermediate area)between the first and second end parts. That is, in some embodiments,when compared with the second sensor electrodes 234 in the first areaSA1, the width of each of the second sensor electrodes 234′ in thesecond area SA2 may be increased to the second width W2 at the first andsecond end parts, and may be decreased to the third width W3 in theintermediate area. In this case, areas of the second sensor electrodes234 in the first area SA1 and the second sensor electrodes 234′ in thesecond area SA2 may be similar to each other, or may be maintained to besubstantially equal to each other. However, the inventive concepts arenot limited thereto. As another example, the second sensor electrodes234′ in the second area SA2 may extend in the width direction at onlythe first and second end parts, and may have the first width W1 in theremaining area, like the second sensor electrodes 234 in the first areaSA1.

In addition, the shape and/or size of the second sensor electrodes 234′may also be gradually changed in the second area SA2. For example, thesecond sensor electrodes 234′ in the second area SA2, which are disposedadjacent to the first area SA1, may have the substantially same shapeand/or size as the second sensor electrodes 234 in the first area SA1.And, the second sensor electrodes 234′ in the second area SA2, which aredisposed adjacent to the third area SA3, may have the substantially sameshape and/or size as the second sensor electrodes 234″ in the third areaSA3. The second sensor electrodes 234′ disposed in the intermediate areaof the second area SA2 may be gradually changed to have a similar shapeto the second sensor electrodes 234″ in the third area SA3 as beingdistant from the first area SA1.

Each of the second sensor electrodes 234″ disposed in the third area SA3may have a fourth width W4 greater than the second width W2 at at leastfirst and second end parts (e.g., upper and lower parts). Also, in someembodiments, each of the second sensor electrodes 234″ disposed in thethird area SA3 may have a fifth width W5 smaller than the first andthird width W1 and W3 in at least one area (e.g., an intermediate area)between the first and second end parts.

That is, in one or more exemplary embodiments, the difference betweenthe maximum width W4 and the minimum width W5 of each of the secondsensor electrodes 234″ disposed in the third area SA3 among the secondsensor electrodes 234, 234′, and 234″ disposed in the first, second, andthird areas SA1, SA2, and SA3 may be largest. In this case, areas of therespective second sensor electrodes 234, 234′, and 234″ disposed in thefirst, second, and third areas SA1, SA2, and SA3 may be similar to oneanother, or may be substantially equal to one another.

According to the above-described embodiment, the shapes and/or sizes ofthe first sensor electrodes 222, 222′, and 222″ and the second sensorelectrodes 234, 234′, and 234″ are gradually changed in the respectiveareas SA1, SA2, and SA3, which have been segregated based upon theirdistances from the pad unit 250. Accordingly, the touch sensitivity canbe improved.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a second embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention. In FIG. 12,components identical or similar to those of one or more of theabove-described embodiments are designated by like reference numerals,and their detailed descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 12, in each of the second sensor electrodes 234′ and234″ disposed in at least one area of the sensing area SA, e.g., thesecond area SA2 and/or the third area SA3 of FIG. 11, an intermediatearea 234 b between first and second end parts 234 a and 234 c may bedivided into at least three intermediate areas 234 b 1, 234 b 2, and 234b 3. In some embodiments, each of the second sensors 234′ and 234″disposed in the second and third areas SA2 and SA3 may have the thirdwidth W3 in at least two regions 234 b 1 and 234 b 3 adjacent to thefirst and second end parts 234 a and 234 c, and may have the secondwidth W2 in at least one area in the remaining area 234 b 2. That is,the shapes and/or sizes of the second sensors 234′ and 234″ disposed inat least one area of the sensing area SA may be variously changed.

According to the above-described embodiment, as compared with theembodiment shown in FIG. 10, the length L4 in which capacitance used indetection of a touch input is formed is lengthened, and a variation dCmin capacitance corresponding to the touch input at a point (e.g., aminimum point of dCm), such as a boundary of the unit sensors 310′ and310″, at which the variation dCm in capacitance corresponding to thetouch input is relatively small, may be increased. In addition, ascompared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the sensitivity in theintermediate area 234 b of the unit sensors 310′ and 310″ can beenhanced. Accordingly, the touch sensitivity can be improved.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a third embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention. In FIG. 13,components identical or similar to those of one or more of theabove-described embodiments are designated by like reference numerals,and their detailed descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 13, each of the second sensors 234′ and 234″ disposedin at least one area of the sensing area SA, e.g., the second area SA2and/or the third area SA3 may have a seventh width W7 smaller than thefirst width W1 in one area between the first and second end parts 234 aand 234 c, and may be formed to have a width that gradually increasesalong the length of the electrode progressing from the middle areahaving the seventh width W7 to each of the first and second end parts234 a and 234 c. For example, each of the second sensors 234′ and 234″may be designed in a hourglass shape having a width gradually increasingin a direction approaching each of the first and second end parts 234 aand 234 c from a central part thereof.

According to the above-described embodiment, as compared with theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, a length L5 in which capacitance used indetection of a touch input is formed is lengthened, and a variation dCmin capacitance corresponding to the touch input at a point at which thevariation dCm in capacitance corresponding to the touch input isrelatively small may be increased. Accordingly, the touch sensitivitycan be improved.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an embodiment of a touch sensor including thesensor electrodes shown in FIG. 13. Particularly, FIG. 14 illustrates atouch sensor including the sensor electrodes according to the embodimentof FIG. 13 in at least one area of a sensing area. In FIG. 14,components identical or similar to those of one or more of theabove-described embodiments are designated by like reference numerals,and their detailed descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 14, a sensing area SA is divided into a plurality ofareas according to distances from a pad unit 250. For example, thesensing area SA may be divided into a first area SA1, a second area SA2,and a third area SA3.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the shapes and/or sizes of secondsensor electrodes 234, 234′, and 234″ in the respective first, second,and third areas SA1, SA2, and SA3 may be different. For example, atleast one of the shapes of the second sensor electrodes 234, 234′, and234″ and/or the maximum widths W1, W6, and W8 of first and second endparts in the respective first, second, and third areas SA1, SA2, and SA3may be different. In addition, the shapes and/or sizes of first sensorelectrodes 222, 222′, and 222″ may be changed as the shapes and/or sizesof the second sensor electrodes 234, 234′, and 234″ are changed.

For example, each of second sensor electrodes 234 disposed in the firstarea SA1 may have a predetermined first width W1. In addition, each ofthe second sensor electrodes 234′ and 234″ disposed in the second andthird areas SA2 and SA3 may be formed to basically have the same shapeas the second sensor electrodes 234′ and 234″ according to theembodiment of FIG. 13.

However, the second sensor electrodes 234′ and 234″ disposed in thesecond and third areas SA2 and SA3 may have different maximum widths W6and W8 and/or different minimum widths W7 and W9. For example, themaximum width W8 of the second sensor electrodes 234″ in the third areaSA3 may be greater than that W6 of the second sensor electrodes 234′ inthe second area SA2, and the minimum width W9 of the second sensorelectrodes 234″ in the third area SA3 may be smaller than that W7 of thesecond sensor electrodes 234′ in the second area SA2.

According to the above-described embodiment, the shapes and/or sizes ofthe first sensor electrodes 222, 222′, and 222″ and the second sensorelectrodes 234, 234′, and 234″ are gradually changed in the respectiveareas SA1, SA2, and SA3 based upon distances from the pad unit 250.Accordingly, the touch sensitivity can be improved.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of sensor electrodesconstructed according to the principles of the invention. In FIG. 15,components identical or similar to those of one or more of theabove-described embodiments are designated by like reference numerals,and their detailed descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 15, in each of the second sensor electrodes 234′ and234″ disposed in at least one area of the sensing area SA, e.g., thesecond area SA2 and/or the third area SA3 of FIG. 14, the number ofsections having the minimum width W7 is increased to two. In someembodiments, the number of sections having the minimum width W7 in eachof the second sensors 234′ and 234″ may be changed to three or more.

In addition, at least one of the maximum width W6 and the minimum widthW7 of each of the second sensor electrodes 234′ and 234″ may be changed.For example, at least one of the maximum widths W6 and W8 and theminimum widths W7 and W9 of the second sensor electrodes 234′ and 234″disposed in the second area SA2 and the third area SA3 may be different.As an example, the shapes and/or sizes of the second sensor electrodes234′ and 234″ may be gradually changed progressing to the first to thirdareas SA1, SA2, and SA3. If the shapes and/or sizes of the second sensorelectrodes 234′ and 234″ are changed, the shapes and/or sizes of thefirst sensor electrodes 222′ and 222″ are changed corresponding to thechange in shapes and/or sizes of the second sensor electrodes 234′ and234″.

According to the above-described embodiment, as compared with theembodiment shown in FIG. 13, a length L6 in which a capacitance used indetection of a touch input is formed is lengthened, and a variation dCmin capacitance corresponding to the touch input at a point at which thevariation dCm in capacitance corresponding to the touch input isrelatively small may be increased. In addition, as compared with theembodiment shown in FIG. 13, the sensitivity in the intermediate area234 b of the unit sensors 310′ and 310″ can be reinforced. Accordingly,the touch sensitivity can be improved.

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a fifth embodiment of sensorelectrodes constructed according to the principles of the invention.FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of a connectionstructure of the sensor electrodes shown in FIG. 16 and the pad unitconstructed according to the principles of the invention. In FIGS. 16and 17, components identical or similar to those of one or more of theabove-described embodiments are designated by like reference numerals,and their detailed descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, each of first sensor electrodes 222 adisposed in at least one area of the sensor area SA is divided into atleast two sub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2. In addition, at least someof lines 240 are connected to the pad unit 250 via an area between theat least two sub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2.

For example, each of first sensor electrodes 222 a disposed in alowermost area that is at least a near end closest to the pad unit 250among the first sensor electrodes 222 and 222 a disposed in the sensingarea SA may be divided into two sub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2. Forconvenience, in this embodiment, it is assumed that hexanary firstsensor electrodes Rx6 (222 a) are the first sensor electrodes 222 adisposed in the lowermost area of the sensor area SA.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, at least some of the lines 240,e.g., lines 240 connected to primary to quinternary first sensorelectrodes 222 disposed above the sub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2 maybe routed to pass through an area between the divided sub-electrodes 222a 1 and 222 a 2. In addition, the lines 240 connected to the secondsensor electrodes 234 may be routed to pass through gray zones GZ andGZ′ between the first sensor electrodes 222 and 222 a and the secondsensor electrodes 234.

According to the above-described embodiment, in the area in which thefirst sensor electrodes Rx6 (222 a) divided into a plurality ofsub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2 in the sensor area SA, the gray zoneGZ′ between adjacent first and second sensor electrodes 222 a and 234becomes narrower than the gray zone GZ in the remaining sensor area SA.That is, the widths of the gray zones GZ and GZ′ between the firstsensor electrode columns 220 and the second sensor electrode columns 230are partially narrowed in the area in which at least the sub-electrodes222 a 1 and 222 a 2 are disposed.

Accordingly, in the area in which the first sensor electrodes Rx6 (222a) divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2, thedistance between the adjacent first and second sensor electrodes 222 aand 234 is shortened.

Thus, capacitance Cm between the adjacent first and second sensorelectrodes 222 a and 234 and variation dCm in capacitance correspondingto a touch input can be sufficiently secured even in a lower area inwhich a relatively large number of lines 240 are disposed in the grayzones GZ and GZ′. Accordingly, the touch sensitivity can be improved.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the sub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222a 2 included in the same sensor electrode column among the first sensorelectrode columns 220 may be connected to the same one pad 252 aprovided in the pad unit 250. For example, at least one of thesub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2 may be connected to a correspondingpad 252 a to pass through a lower area (e.g., an area between the padunit 250 and a lower edge of the substrate 210) at the outside of thepad unit 250. In this case, the sub-electrodes 222 a 1 and 222 a 2 canbe stably connected to the pad unit 250 while the number of pads 252 and252 a is identically maintained.

Meanwhile, the structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 maybe applied to or combined with at least one of the embodiments describedwith reference to FIGS. 2 to 15, or may be independently used. Forexample, in at least one of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 15, each ofthe first sensor electrodes 222, 222′, and 222″ in at least a lowermostarea (e.g., a near end) may be divided into at least two sub-electrodes222 a 1 and 222 a 2 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, and at least some lines240 may be routed to pass through an area between the sub-electrodes 222a 1 and 222 a 2. That is, one of the embodiments described withreference to FIGS. 2 to 17 may be used alone, or characteristicconfigurations or select components of at least two of the embodimentsmay be combined with each other, thereby improving the touchsensitivity.

According to the touch sensors constructed according to the principlesof the invention, it is possible to provide a touch sensor havingimproved sensitivity while reducing manufacturing costs.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are notlimited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of thepresented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalentarrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touch sensor comprising: a plurality of firstsensor electrode columns disposed in a first direction in a sensingarea, the plurality of first sensor electrode columns each including N(N is a natural number of 2 or more) first sensor electrodes; aplurality of second sensor electrode columns alternately disposed withthe first sensor electrode columns in the sensing area, the plurality ofsecond sensor electrode columns each including a plurality of secondsensor electrodes; a plurality of lines disposed between the firstsensor electrode columns and the second sensor electrode columns; and apad unit including a plurality of pads connected to the lines, whereineach of Nth first sensor electrodes closest to the pad unit among thefirst sensor electrodes provided in each of the first sensor electrodecolumns comprises at least two sub-electrodes, and at least some of thelines are connected to the pad unit passing through an area between theat least two sub-electrodes.